Victoria’s COVID-19 cases have increased to 246 new locally acquired infections, with 121 linked to known outbreaks and 125 more mystery cases.
There were more than 42,250 Victorians tested for COVID in the last 24 hours and 27,000 vaccine doses administered.
The vaccination of Year 12s has been prioritised, however the priority vaccination hotline on 1800 434 144 jammed less than half an hour after opening at 8am this morning as more than 50,000 VCE students and teachers rushed to get through two vaccination doses by 5 October when they sit for the General Achievement Test.
The state is moving towards its 70 per cent vaccination target and it is hoped that lockdown rules may be eased across regional Victoria next week. A pilot programme may allow vaccinated customers to dine and drink outdoors.
Premier Dan Andrews said “we should meet the target ahead of schedule”.
“We have got some 343,000 to go and I’m confident we will get ahead of the five-week mark,” the Premier said.
“The economy, as best it can, will operate as close to normal as possible for people who had two doses. Everything from restaurants, cafes, retail, sporting events, theatre, the list goes on and on.”
So far, more than 60 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and above have had at least one dose of the vaccine, and the government flagged a minor easing of restrictions for Melbourne once the 70 per cent mark is reached.
